Jasmine House

Jasmine House is one of two short break services within the trust, and we support adults with a learning disability, complex health issues, and autism to have a short break. Here, they can spend time with their friends and peers, and their carers can take time to recharge, look after their own well-being, or have a holiday—taking a break from caring responsibilities, knowing that their loved one is supported in a comfortable environment. These days, many people prefer not to go into residential care full-time, but their families still need occasional support so they can continue caring for them at home. People come here for anything from an overnight stay to a weekend or up to a couple of weeks.

Jasmine House is truly unique. We support each individual, and every day is different because every person has different needs. Our team is highly skilled and trained, with extensive in-house training to ensure staff can meet all the needs of those we support. We take a holistic approach here at Jasmine House; it’s not just about the individual when they come to stay—it’s about the whole family, so we take time to get to know them.

Jasmine House is really lovely, and staff like Steve, Mel, and everyone here are excellent. You couldn’t ask for better staff—they’re dedicated, friendly, and funny. The fact that Hayden has been coming here for so long means we feel really happy knowing he is safe. That’s the most important thing. I know he’s safe, and I know he’s being looked after. If there are any problems, they’re straight on the phone and keep us informed of what’s going on. It takes an enormous amount of trust to place your child in someone else’s care, but when they’re an adult with complex needs, that trust increases a hundredfold.

The team here works hard, especially with individuals like George, who has very specific and unique needs. They put a lot of effort into helping George feel comfortable, getting him to trust them, and building that connection so he can enjoy his time here for a couple of days.

We have a lovely sensory room that’s very popular—a peaceful place where residents can enjoy music, lights, and other sensory experiences. Surrounded by trees, the moment you drive up, you feel relaxed. It’s a calm, chilled-out place. We also have a small herbal garden and flower beds where everyone can take part in a bit of gardening. There’s an interactive tablet everyone loves for playing games, displaying photos, listening to music, and watching videos. There’s always something different going on, and no two days are ever the same.

I enjoy taking residents out, sometimes to the theatre in Epsom. They love it there, and it’s amazing to see them enjoying themselves and engaging with the sounds and atmosphere.

The main things we look for in staff are passion and a caring nature. There’s a lot of teaching, training, and skills involved, which we provide, but what we can’t teach is the attitude and passion to care. Knowing I’m contributing something meaningful to support someone with their needs makes me feel happy. The team here is wonderful—everyone is supportive, and we work well together. We’ll always support staff members who need extra help.

Being here also means you get to meet other parents who may be going through similar experiences. We love George dearly—he’s an important part of our family, but it can be hard work. Coming to a place like this is like a little pressure-release valve, giving his mum and me time to focus on our relationship. It’s really important for all of us.

If anyone is considering a similar path, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. What these people do here means that George can have a fulfilled and happy life at home. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the team does everything for the people they support—that’s what really matters.